By Dr. Robert Crick, Director, Chaplains Commission
Army Chaplain (MAJ) Clayton Gregory, Korea, was promoted from Captain to Major on the infamous “Bridge of No Return” on September 11, 2007. The “Bridge of No Return” is located in “No Man’s Land” between South and North Korea. This bridge was used in 1953 for prisoner exchanges at the end of the Korean War. The name originates from the fact that prisoners were given the choice to remain in the country of their captivity, or cross over to the other country. If they chose to cross the bridge, they would never be allowed to return. The last time the bridge was used for prisoner exchanges was in 1968 when the crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo was released in order to cross into South Korea via the bridge.
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Chaplain Clayton Gregory (right) is promoted from Captain to Major on the DMZ bridge. |
Let me share with you Chaplain Gregory’s reasons for being promoted on this historical landmark. He states: “I wanted to be promoted on September 11 in that this is a day burned in our hearts forever. My day began with a prayer breakfast in memory of September 11, 2001; and from there, I had the privilege of spending the day at the Joint Security Area (DMZ) with a dear friend, LTC Anastasia, whom I served with both in Germany and Kosovo. At 4 p.m. Korean time, the ceremony began. Prior to the ceremony, I witnessed nuclear inspectors from our State Department being led down conference row to walk into North Korea; before they could enter North Korea, they stood in a single file line and awaited the South Korea and American representative to talk to the North Korean leaders. Being promoted on this historical site was an awesome reminder of God’s grace and mercy. During the ceremony, I began to reflect on how thankful I was; being promoted in this significant place, being able to minister to soldiers who are in such a critical area, and to have Commanders who support chaplaincy ministries. My Battalion Commander said this was one of the best promotions he had ever witnessed. On the bridge with me were my Battalion leaders, most who had never been privileged to stand on the “Bridge of No Return.” This reminded us all of why we are here; the enemies we face, and the awesome God who loves and sustains us. My only regret is that my wife Susan and our girls could not be present for my promotion. My wife is my rock. The Lord has done exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ever imagine.”
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com [1].